Aéroport de Cap-Haitien Int'l (CAP)
Cap-Haïtien International Airport (IATA: CAP, ICAO: MTCH) serves as a vital aviation hub for Cap-Haïtien, the capital of Haiti's Nord department and the country's second-largest city. Located on the northern coast, Cap-Haïtien is a historic city known for its colonial architecture and proximity to the famous Citadelle Laferrière. The airport, formerly known as Hugo Chávez International Airport, underscores the hurricane-prone yet resilient spirit of the Haitian people.
Originally established to accommodate domestic flights, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to its infrastructure, allowing it to handle international flights and thereby aligning with its current designation as an international airport. These improvements have enhanced its operational capacity, making it an essential gateway for both tourists heading to northern Haiti's beaches and mountains, and for locals traveling abroad.
Statistics reveal that Cap-Haïtien International Airport supports a growing number of flights annually, serviced by several airlines. American Airlines and Spirit Airlines are notable among the international carriers connecting Cap-Haïtien with destinations such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This connectivity has transformed Cap-Haïtien from a regional backwater into a focal point of northern Haitian economic activity.
With a burgeoning passenger count reaching into hundreds of thousands per year, Cap-Haïtien International is gradually but steadily expanding its footprint in the Caribbean aviation landscape. Its role is not just limited to travel and tourism; the airport also acts as a critical point for humanitarian aid and development projects, particularly crucial given Haiti's frequent natural disasters. As a full-fledged international airport, MTCH is paving the way for enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the region.